The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Contendent \Con*tend"ent\, n. [L. contendens, p. pr.]
   An antagonist; a contestant. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         In all notable changes and revolutions the contendents
         have been still made a prey to the third party.
                                                  --L'Estrange.
   [1913 Webster]